Burton Residents’ Association
Burton Village is on the Dee side of the Wirral Peninsula, about 7 miles north-west of Chester.
Thought to be originally founded around the 8th century, the first documented evidence of Burton is in the Domesday Book of 1086. Through the subsequent centuries agriculture featured prominently, although for some time it was an important anchorage for ships trading into Chester.
For many years Burton was a cross-roads for trade between Lancashire and north Wales, and Birkenhead and Chester. In the 13th century it was granted a Royal Charter to allow a market to be held every Thursday.
It retains its historic charm, with many old buildings. Most of the village is a Conservation Area, and has been called The Jewel of Wirral by Cheshire Life magazine.
In 1988 a Residents’ Association was formed to safeguard and enhance the historic nature of the village. Since then several proposed developments have threatened the wellbeing of the village.
The most serious was to build a giant factory along the shoreline adjacent to the village and the neighbouring historic villages of Puddington and Shotwick. A united effort by the residents of these villages raised almost £45,000 to fight the proposals at a Public Enquiry. The plans were refused!
The village has many interesting buildings and features. The parish church (rebuilt on original site around 1721) is in a double-nave form and unique. Many of the buildings originated in the 16th century and are on the main road through the village.
A dominant building is Burton Manor, used since 1948 as an adult education college, but now providing offices for the Russell Taylor Group, a recruitment company: the gardens, café and ateliers are open.
The village has an excellent Primary School and a well-equipped Village Hall & Sports/ Social Club with extensive playing field and children’s playground.
The Gladstone Village Hall is available for hire – phone 0151 336 3639. The village enjoys superb views across the Dee estuary and Welsh mountains, and is sheltered on the north side by Burton Woods (National Trust). Less than 2 miles from Burton is Ness gardens.
The Residents’ Association is proud of the village. In 2004 & 2005 the village achieved Runner-up in the Cheshire Village Pride Competition (population 600 – 1000). Its monthly committee meeting reviews any proposed developments in the village.
Road safety, village pavements, road signage, and village amenities are monitored by the Association. Members also assist the local police team with “Speedwatch” to reduce excessive speeding.
If you are interested in joining Burton Residents’ Association – as a resident or as a non-Resident (Friend), please phone 0151 336 3643. The cost is £5 per year and a quarterly newsletter will be sent to you.
Some of the annual events include
April – Residents’ Association AGM and Guest Speaker
June – Summer Fete
July – Jazz Picnic at Burton Manor
September – Fun Run
November – Bonfire Night & Firework Display
December – Christmas Fair
Website: burtonresidentsassociation.co.uk
Email: secretary@burtonresidentsassociation.co.uk